At one point, we were uncertain whether their frustration was due to traffic or simply typical.
From the breathtaking beauty of Goa's scenic beaches, the French-colonized charm of Pondicherry, and the vibrant cultural tapestry that spans across the diverse states, India is truly a gem that we got to relish during our brief trip.
However, there were a few things that diminished the beauty of India's features. Two are;
1. The untidy streets
2. The loud honking.
The moment we stepped into the streets from our hotel in Mumbai, we were pushed into a mayhem of road rage and chaotic honking. And if you're like me who's quite sensitive to loud noises, the Indian streets surely will be a nightmare. But Honking in India is quite normal for locals.
Before we get to that, let's look at the interesting places you can visit in Mumbai on a two-day visit.
What's most Famous in Mumbai?
The Gateway of India is the most famous location in Mumbai and the iconic postcard scenery of the city. It's a ceremonial building created to commemorate King George V's visit to India during British rule. It doesn't have an entrance fee, so you can visit anytime to take some grand photos with the Gateway as a backdrop.
Fun Fact - The popular Gateway of Mumbai is where the final British troops in India left in 1948.
What are the Top attractions in Mumbai to Visit?
Mumbai, a renowned city in India, is home to over 21 million people from diverse communities. It's also where you'll find Swati Snacks, a favourite eatery of Asia's wealthiest man, Ambani. You might want to give it a try, although we didn't.
On our two-day tour, here are the places we visited in Mumbai. Note that 2 to 3 days is more than enough to explore Mumbai as the main sites are congested and located nearby.
Here are our top picks on where to visit in Mumbai:
Gateway of India - Free entrance and a Must-Visit. It's an architectural fusion of Indian, Victorian, and Mughal elements.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - This is the famous Slumdog Millionaire train station. Free entrance and photo-worthy. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many locals still call it Victoria Terminus (point to be taken).
Elephanta Caves - Beautiful caves! The entrance fee is about $7.5 (2024) for tourists that are coming from non-SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. The two-way ferry to the caves from Gateway costs about $3, or you can even take the local suburban train or BEST bus. If you're new to Mumbai it's safer to stick to the ferry.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple - A Hindu temple that's worth visiting. Entrance is free. Local devotees believe that Lord Ganesha grants wishes to those who make their pleas at the temple. Who knows, maybe your lifelong dreams may come true. Just be aware of the long queues. You can apparently skip the queue with a ticket, we didn't know this prior.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park - When you're ready to escape the urban bustle of Mumbai, visit this serene park as a getaway hike. You may not find many exotic wildlife, but the 2,400-year-old Kanheri Caves are sure to surprise you. We heard that this park is closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is about $1 for adults, but there are added tours such as the tiger safari, which can be purchased separately.
Marine Drive - This promenade is the ideal place to chill at dusk on your last day. You can walk along the beach stretch, soak in the sea breeze and feel refreshed. Entrance is of course free unless you want to buy some snacks. Always purchase packed food manufactured by known companies in India.
The Best Time to Visit Mumbai?
October to February is generally considered a pleasant time to visit Mumbai. Mumbai is a tropical place, so you should be ready to expect on-and-off rains even amidst sunny days. During your visit, wear covered footwear to avoid dust, dirt and mud touching your feet.
Most Expensive and Cheapest City in India to Visit?
Mumbai is considered the most expensive city to visit in India while Kolkata is the most affordable city to live in India. The elevated cost of living in Mumbai leads many locals to live below average standards, resulting in a higher number of worn-out shanties and housing along its streets compared to other cities.
Is Mumbai Safe to Walk?
Yes. It's very much safer to walk than in major cities like New Delhi. But Mumbai - very much like other urban cities in India - poses common threats such as thieves, pickpocketers and scammers. It's advised to always be on alert for your belongings especially when travelling on public transport and crowded roads. It's advised not to walk at night for safety reasons, so keep your city explorations scheduled for the sunny daytime. Enough sunscreen and staying hydrated will keep you going.
Which is better Delhi or Mumbai?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want history and culture, Delhi is your go-to place. But remember Delhi is a massive city, so make sure you have a plan and a proper schedule to avoid unplanned scenarios.
If you're seeking a vibrant modern-city vibe, Mumbai is the place to be. Many tourists opt to explore Mumbai first when visiting India, drawn to its overall tourist-friendly atmosphere.
Is Mumbai Good for Tourists?
Mumbai is relatively good for tourists. One of the biggest problems tourists in Mumbai face is food poisoning. Food preparation hygiene is quite poor in street shops. While it may sit well with locals, it may not sit well with you. So it's best to avoid all street food, tap water, water-based drinks and ice-included beverages.
Now we come to the tipping point for most travellers here in Mumbai, including us:
Why do Indian drivers honk so much?
As per a local, it's because they hate to be caught in traffic jams and they have little patience. If you're familiar with India's geography, you'd probably know how big the country is and travelling from one country to the other takes hours (days in some cases).
Luckily we were in Mumbai and were aware of Mumbai's modern metro system, so we decided to give it a try, and what a relief it was for the ears.
During the long journey in the metro, we were dying to know the honking theory, so we decided to speak to a local about this.
Is there a Law against Honking in India?
Yes. As per the India Code, the following Law regulates honking in India, however, it's not considered a serious crime hence the public gives very little consideration with regard.
[194F. Use of horns and silence zones.-- Whoever--
(b) drives a motor vehicle which makes use of a cut-out by which exhaust gases are released other than through the silencer, shall be punishable with a fine of one thousand rupees and for a second or subsequent offence with a fine of two thousand rupees.]
Is honking in India or honking in Mumbai an offence?
Apparently not. If you're an extremely slow driver, honks could be meant for you to drive faster. But it's not really an offence. Honking in Mumbai is somewhat better compared to certain cities as was told to us by our local friend.
Over the years, honking has been absorbed into the common way of life in India. You'd see it among three-wheel drivers and young motorcyclists who whizz through the streets at high speed.
What's the craziest city of honks in India?
New Delhi for sure, even though we didn't get to experience it. A local in the residence described how chaotic streets in Delhi are; Massive, cluttered, smokey and loud.
The capital city is known to house a dense population compared to other states in India. Here is where all the rush happens, so the honks are expected.
Is renting a vehicle a good idea in India?
Simply put, No. Driving in India - be it Delhi, Mumbai or Banglore - is just too complicated. Plus, the policemen in the cities are not exactly known for their piety. Most of the vehicles we saw, had dents and looked like they had met with some kind of accident.
While in Mumbai, we rarely came across traffic policemen which means, if you get into any kind of trouble - even if it's not your fault - you may have to give in.
The easiest way to get around India
We advise you to use the metro train. It's cheap, speedy, convenient and smoke-free.
Have you experienced insane honking in Mumbai or India in that sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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